Malometasternum rufocaudatum

1 A bee-mimic hover fly at Higgins, ACT

Malometasternum rufocaudatum at Higgins, ACT - 27 Nov 2022
Malometasternum rufocaudatum at Higgins, ACT - 27 Nov 2022
Malometasternum rufocaudatum at Higgins, ACT - 27 Nov 2022
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Identification history

Malometasternum rufocaudatum 16 Jun 2023 MichaelMulvaney
Unidentified 15 Jun 2023 AlisonMilton

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7 comments

   16 Jun 2023
That fly is a great bee mimic and one that I have not come across before. I will be interested to learn exactly what it is. (The antennae give it away.)
   16 Jun 2023
Moved to Unidentified Diptera
   16 Jun 2023
I am informed that it is Malometasternum rufocaudatum.
RogerF wrote:
   16 Jun 2023
Well spotted Alison. I've never seen this bee mimic either. Looks like its a Megachile hackeri mimic but is smaller. Obviously a pollen feeder like most Syrphids. Is it on A. genistifolia? Co-ordinates not quite right -middle of road.
AlisonMilton wrote:
   17 Jun 2023
Hi Roger, I've corrected the location. The plant it was feeding on is more likely Acacia dealbata though I can't be sure that's completely accurate. There are two mature buses just a few minutes from my place so I'll look for it again in spring.
RogerF wrote:
   17 Jun 2023
It may be an immigrant to the ACT as many Syrphids are migratory.
RogerF wrote:
   17 Jun 2023
I think it could be added to significant sightings

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Nearby sightings

Page 3 of 4 - image sightings only

Theseus modestus (Gum tree shield bug) at Higgins, ACT - 12 Sep 2020 by AlisonMilton
Chalcopteroides spectabilis (Rainbow darkling beetle) at Higgins, ACT - 12 Sep 2020 by AlisonMilton
Coccinella transversalis (Transverse Ladybird) at Scullin, ACT - 12 Sep 2020 by AlisonMilton
Opisthoncus grassator (Jumping spider) at Scullin, ACT - 12 Sep 2020 by AlisonMilton
Zosterops lateralis (Silvereye) at Higgins, ACT - 23 Jul 2020 by Alison Milton
Pachycephala pectoralis (Golden Whistler) at Higgins, ACT - 23 Jul 2020 by Alison Milton
Acanthiza chrysorrhoa (Yellow-rumped Thornbill) at Higgins, ACT - 23 Jul 2020 by Alison Milton
Cracticus torquatus (Grey Butcherbird) at Higgins, ACT - 3 Jul 2020 by Alison Milton
Rayieria acaciae (Acacia-spotting bug) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Apr 2020 by AlisonMilton
Hemicordulia australiae (Australian Emerald) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Apr 2020 by AlisonMilton
Fergusonina sp. (genus) (A gallfly) at Scullin, ACT - 5 Apr 2020 by AlisonMilton
Zizina otis (Common Grass-Blue) at Higgins, ACT - 4 Apr 2020 by AlisonMilton
Marasmius oreades (Fairy-ring Champignon) at Scullin, ACT - 4 Apr 2020 by Alison Milton
Myrmecia nigriceps (Black-headed bull ant) at Scullin, ACT - 4 Apr 2020 by AlisonMilton
Paropsisterna m-fuscum (Eucalyptus Leaf Beetle) at Scullin, ACT - 4 Apr 2020 by AlisonMilton
Pisolithus marmoratus (Horse Dung Fungus) at Scullin, ACT - 4 Apr 2020 by Alison Milton
Glycine tabacina (Variable Glycine) at Scullin, ACT - 4 Apr 2020 by AlisonMilton
Monoctenia smerintharia (Dark Leaf Moth) at Higgins, ACT - 1 Apr 2020 by AlisonMilton
Deliochus sp. (genus) (A leaf curling spider) at Higgins, ACT - 31 Mar 2020 by AlisonMilton
Dasygaster padockina (Tasmanian Cutworm) at Higgins, ACT - 29 Mar 2020 by AlisonMilton
Isodontia sp. (genus) (Unidentified Grass-carrying wasp) at Higgins, ACT - 30 Jan 2020 by AlisonMilton
Arhodia lasiocamparia (Pink Arhodia) at Higgins, ACT - 29 Jan 2020 by AlisonMilton
Antitrogus morbillosus (Tableland pasture scarab) at Scullin, ACT - 29 Jan 2020 by AlisonMilton
Cacatua galerita (Sulphur-crested Cockatoo) at Higgins, ACT - 3 Jan 2020 by Alison Milton
Acrida conica (Giant green slantface) at Higgins, ACT - 1 Jan 2020 by AlisonMilton
Melanacanthus scutellaris (Small brown bean bug) at Scullin, ACT - 29 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Conoeca or Lepidoscia (genera) IMMATURE (Unidentified Cone Case Moth larva, pupa, or case) at Scullin, ACT - 29 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Cerdistus sp. (genus) (Slender Robber Fly) at Higgins, ACT - 29 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Philobota philostaura (A Concealer moth (Philobota group) at Higgins, ACT - 27 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Oecophoridae (family) (Unidentified Oecophorid concealer moth) at Higgins, ACT - 26 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Heoclisis fundata (Antlion lacewing) at Higgins, ACT - 21 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Gonipterus sp. (genus) (Eucalyptus Weevil) at Scullin, ACT - 13 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Liparetrus sp. (genus) (Chafer beetle) at Scullin, ACT - 12 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Pogonortalis doclea (Boatman fly) at Scullin, ACT - 10 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Oecophoridae (family) (Unidentified Oecophorid concealer moth) at Scullin, ACT - 10 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Amorbus sp. (genus) (Eucalyptus Tip bug) at Scullin, ACT - 10 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Monophlebulus sp. (genus) (Giant Snowball Mealybug) at Scullin, ACT - 10 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Palpostomatini (tribe) (Bristle fly) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Rayieria acaciae (Acacia-spotting bug) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Tachinidae (family) (Unidentified Bristle fly) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Paropsisterna m-fuscum (Eucalyptus Leaf Beetle) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Amorbus sp. (genus) (Eucalyptus Tip bug) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Cerdistus sp. (genus) (Slender Robber Fly) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Anoplognathus montanus (Montane Christmas beetle) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Tiphiidae (family) (Unidentified Smooth flower wasp) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Conoeca or Lepidoscia (genera) IMMATURE (Unidentified Cone Case Moth larva, pupa, or case) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Titinia tenuis (Titinia weevil) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Rosopaella cuprea (A leafhopper) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Pterodontia mellii (Hunchback Fly, Small-headed Fly) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Iridomyrmex sp. (genus) (Ant) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Glycaspis sp. (genus) (Unidentified sugary lerp) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Camponotus aeneopilosus (A Golden-tailed sugar ant) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Psychidae (family) IMMATURE (Unidentified case moth or bagworm) at Scullin, ACT - 8 Dec 2019 by AlisonMilton
Formicidae (family) (Unidentified ant) at Higgins, ACT - 15 Nov 2019 by AlisonMilton
Polyrhachis phryne (A spiny ant) at Scullin, ACT - 2 Nov 2019 by AlisonMilton
Australomisidia sp. (genus) (Flower spider) at Higgins, ACT - 30 Oct 2019 by AlisonMilton
Coracina novaehollandiae (Black-faced Cuckooshrike) at Higgins, ACT - 1 Oct 2019 by Alison Milton
Pachycephala rufiventris (Rufous Whistler) at Higgins, ACT - 1 Oct 2019 by Alison Milton
Oxyopes sp. (genus) (Lynx spider) at Higgins, ACT - 18 Sep 2019 by AlisonMilton
Camponotus aeneopilosus (A Golden-tailed sugar ant) at Scullin, ACT - 6 Sep 2019 by AlisonMilton
Celaenia calotoides (Bird-dropping spider) at Higgins, ACT - 2 May 2019 by AlisonMilton
Opisthoncus grassator (Jumping spider) at Higgins, ACT - 1 May 2019 by AlisonMilton
Pachycephala pectoralis (Golden Whistler) at Higgins, ACT - 27 Apr 2019 by Alison Milton
Pachycephala pectoralis (Golden Whistler) at Higgins, ACT - 10 Apr 2019 by Alison Milton
Phalaenoides glycinae (Grapevine Moth) at Higgins, ACT - 29 Mar 2019 by AlisonMilton
Elaphodes cervinus (Leaf beetle) at Higgins, ACT - 6 Mar 2019 by AlisonMilton
Tiphiidae (family) (Unidentified Smooth flower wasp) at Higgins, ACT - 6 Mar 2019 by AlisonMilton
Chauliognathus tricolor (Tricolor soldier beetle) at Scullin, ACT - 2 Mar 2019 by AlisonMilton
Pseudomantis albofimbriata (False garden mantis) at Higgins, ACT - 25 Feb 2019 by Alison Milton
Papilio aegeus (Orchard Swallowtail, Large Citrus Butterfly) at Higgins, ACT - 25 Feb 2019 by AlisonMilton
Pterohelaeus striatopunctatus (Darkling beetle) at Higgins, ACT - 24 Feb 2019 by Alison Milton
Pterohelaeus piceus (Pie-dish beetle) at Higgins, ACT - 24 Feb 2019 by Alison Milton
Chlorotachina sp. (genus) (A bristle fly) at Higgins, ACT - 24 Feb 2019 by Alison Milton
Chelepteryx collesi (White-stemmed Gum Moth) at Scullin, ACT - 24 Feb 2019 by Alison Milton
Turneromyia sp. (genus) (Zebra spider wasp) at Scullin, ACT - 23 Feb 2019 by Alison Milton
Amorbus sp. (genus) (Eucalyptus Tip bug) at Scullin, ACT - 23 Feb 2019 by Alison Milton
Gastrophora henricaria (Fallen-bark Looper, Beautiful Leaf Moth) at Higgins, ACT - 17 Feb 2019 by Alison Milton
Pseudomantis albofimbriata (False garden mantis) at Higgins, ACT - 16 Feb 2019 by Alison Milton
Pseudomantis albofimbriata (False garden mantis) at Higgins, ACT - 14 Feb 2019 by AlisonMilton
Caedicia sp. (genus) (Katydid) at Higgins, ACT - 9 Feb 2019 by AlisonMilton
Anzora unicolor (Grey Planthopper) at Higgins, ACT - 4 Feb 2019 by AlisonMilton
Chrysodeixis (genus) (Green looper) at Higgins, ACT - 4 Feb 2019 by Alison Milton
Melolonthinae sp. (subfamily) (Cockchafer) at Higgins, ACT - 3 Jan 2019 by AlisonMilton
Anoplognathus pallidicollis (Cashew beetle) at Higgins, ACT - 3 Jan 2019 by AlisonMilton
Cryphaea xylina (Woodland Geometrid) at Higgins, ACT - 3 Jan 2019 by AlisonMilton
Psilogramma casuarinae (Privet Hawk Moth) at Higgins, ACT - 1 Jan 2019 by Alison Milton
Anthochaera carunculata (Red Wattlebird) at Higgins, ACT - 17 Dec 2018 by Alison Milton
Eudynamys orientalis (Pacific Koel) at Higgins, ACT - 17 Dec 2018 by Alison Milton
Sceliphron laetum (Common mud dauber wasp) at Higgins, ACT - 17 Dec 2018 by Alison Milton
Dendroleon sp. (genus) (An Antlion Lacewing) at Higgins, ACT - 12 Dec 2018 by AlisonMilton
Sophta concavata (Varied Hookwing) at Higgins, ACT - 8 Dec 2018 by Alison Milton
Tanychilus sp. (genus) (Comb-clawed beetle) at Higgins, ACT - 8 Dec 2018 by Alison Milton
Amegilla (Zonamegilla) asserta (Blue Banded Bee) at Higgins, ACT - 6 Dec 2018 by AlisonMilton
Sparassidae (family) (A Huntsman Spider) at Higgins, ACT - 10 Nov 2018 by Alison Milton
Ocybadistes walkeri (Green Grass-dart) at Higgins, ACT - 10 Nov 2018 by Alison Milton
Lehtinelagia sp. (genus) (Flower Spider or Crab Spider) at Higgins, ACT - 10 Nov 2018 by Alison Milton
Oxyopes sp. (genus) (Lynx spider) at Higgins, ACT - 10 Nov 2018 by Alison Milton
Maratus griseus (Jumping spider) at Higgins, ACT - 10 Nov 2018 by Alison Milton
Lampropholis delicata (Delicate Skink) at Higgins, ACT - 10 Nov 2018 by AlisonMilton
Maratus scutulatus (A jumping spider) at Higgins, ACT - 6 Nov 2018 by Alison Milton

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Location information

Sighting information

  • 1 Abundance
  • 27 Nov 2022 10:05 AM Recorded on
  • AlisonMilton Recorded by

Additional information

  • 5mm to 12mm Animal size
  • Alive / healthy Animal health
  • Feeding on nectar or pollen Insect behaviour on flower
  • True Pollinator Insect on Flower

Species information

Record quality

  • Images or audio
  • More than one media file
  • Verified by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
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